Press Releases

Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with the IWFA

Professionally installed window film may reduce the risk of skin cancer

Driving long haul routes from sun up to sundown to deliver America’s goods is business as usual for the country’s 3.5 million truck drivers. In fact, America’s professional men and women truckers log close to 724 billion miles annually, and, according to the TruckingTruth.com industry website, truckers can spend up to 11 consecutive hours on the road exposed to harmful UV rays through their cab windows.

Harmful ultraviolet (UVA) rays contribute to premature aging and skin cancer, and can penetrate through unprotected glass – whether it’s a sunny day or not. In fact, there have been numerous reports of higher than average rates of skin cancer in the U.S. on the left side of the face and arm. This is according to an article published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology that pointed to driver-side UVA exposure as a likely contributor to the disease.

“Truckers take breaks and stay hydrated in order to keep safe while on the road, but many don’t realize the long-term, cumulative effect of UV rays coming through their cab windows,” said Darrell Smith, Executive Director of the IWFA. “A professional installation of window film can block up to 99 percent of UV rays from coming through the glass, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and protect trucker’s eyes as well.”

In fact, according to the IWFA, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) clarification to safety regulations relating to a truck’s window visibility now allows the use of compliant ‘clear’ window films with a minimum 70 percent visibility rating to be installed on the front side windows on big rigs.

Window film that is professionally installed can be done in a few hours and is budget friendly. Additional benefits include a reduction in glare, more even interior temperatures inside the vehicle, and a margin of safety in that window film helps to hold glass together if it is impacted.

In recognition of the hard work that they do each day delivering essential goods and keeping our economy going, please join the IWFA in encouraging the professional installation of window film as an easy safeguard to help protect the truckers who keep this country moving forward.

The International Window Film Association (IWFA) (www.iwfa.com) is a unified industry body of window film dealers, distributors, and manufacturers that facilitates the growth of the window film industry though the use of education, research, advocacy and consumer awareness. The organization builds alliances with trade associations, utilities and government agencies to advance dealers’ and distributors’ businesses and provide value to their customers. Learn more at www.iwfa.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.